Tibet is one of the world's most extraordinary destinations and there is adventure indeed lurking around almost each and every corner with its diverse topological features ranging from arid flat terrain to the highest peak on the earth, makes a perfect mountain biking destination for intrepid bikers. Mountain biking along challenging trail through the vast plateau of Tibet across several 5000+ meter high mountain passes amidst grand vistas of highest peaks in the world is the ultimate biking experience of a lifetime.

Lhasa to Kathmandu Biking Tour : Lhasa to Kathmandu Mountain Biking is one of most adventurous rides a mountain biker can do. It is a real classic and to make your trip even more adventurous, even longer and even more challenging. We have decided to in-corporate a four day round trip away from the main Lhasa - Kathmandu road, to visit Rongbuk Monastery and the North base camp area of Mt. Everest

The journey overland back to Kathmandu, crosses 6 major passes while visiting the spectacular monastery towns of Gyantse, Xigastse and Xegar reaching the edge of the Tibetan Plateau at the Thang-La (5200m), and beginning the longest descent in the world, an almost unbelievable 4600 meters into Nepal. With two more days of biking on the amazing ridge-top trails of the Kathmandu Valley.

Lhasa to Kathmandu Biking tour begins after the arrival of all participants in Kathmandu, the group will meet up with the staffs of Nepal Adventure Point for introduction and briefing about the trip. The next day is the day for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You will be taken around for a tour of Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath, Patan and Swoyambhunath - the monkey temple. This tour will help you to understand about the historical and cultural background of Nepal, Kathmandu valley and the people of Nepal. The next couple of days are for checking equipments, final preparations, packing, Tibet visa and other necessary document for this trip.

After official procedure, we have schedule flight to Lhasa, where you will receive by our Tibetan guide and after completion of the immigration formalities then we drive to Lhasa (3658m). We will spend three nights in Lhasa and make sightseeing tours that covers the visit of the spiritual centers of Tibet: the Jokhang Temple, Sera and Drepung monasteries & the Potala Palace. Then, you will begin your biking journey back to Kathmandu.

During the Bicycle Tour we follow the classic route across the high Tibetan plateau from Lhasa to Nepal border. We negotiate 6 major passes, traversed the backbone of the Himalaya & visit some of the most fascinating towns, villages, nomad camps, monasteries enrooted. Throughout the trip there will be vehicle support provided for emergencies as well as a team of Sherpas for camping. Biking in Tibet is non-technical as the route is along hard-packed roads, but the altitude is always a factor as we cross six passes at over 5000m. The route is also remote and the weather often cold, so the journey is not for the faint-hearted. The route does, however, finish with a long downhill finish to get Kathmandu.

DAY 01: Arrive in Kathmandu: Upon arrival at Tribhuwan international airport, welcomed by our representative and transfer to hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given in the evening at hotel about the daily program activities by your Group Leader/Guide.

DAY 02: Kathmandu Excursion: After breakfast the day will start with a guided tour of Kathmandu's historical and spiritual key attractions; including the historic Kathmndu Durbar Square, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath) and then finally visit to Patan Durbar square which is situated the heart of the city constitutes the focus of visitor's attraction. In the evening there will be pre-trip discussion where you can meet your group leader/guide then you can ask any questions you may have.

DAY 03: Kathmandu fly to Lhasa: After official procedure, this day we have 90 minute schedule flight take you to the Lhasa (3658m). On arrival Gangkar airport, you will be warmly welcome by our Tibetan guide and after immigration formalities we drive approximately 2 hour to the holy city of Lhasa along with the view of Bharmaputra, known as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibetan and a giant stone carved Buddha with more than a thousand years history.

DAY 04: Excursion Lhasa City: This day is your first day of sightseeing on the high plateau, so we have purposely arranged only to visit Jokhang temple and Potala Palace. Jokhang temple is the most scared shrine in Tibet which was built in 7th century and located at the heart of old town in Lhasa, the circuit around it called Barkhor street, which is a good place to purchase souvenirs. Potala Palace is the worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet. The massive structure itself contains a small world within it. Mostly it is renowned as residence of the Dalai Lama lineages. Both of them are the focal points of pilgrims from entire Tibetan world, multitudinous pilgrims are circumambulating and prostrating in their strong faith.

DAY 05: Excursion Lhasa City: This day you will be arranged to visit Drepung, Sera monasteries and Summer Palace - Norbulingka palace. Both Drepung and Sera monasteries are Gelugpa (Yellow hat) sect monastic colleges. Drepung monastery was the seat of the Government prior to Potala, it was once the world largest monastery in the history with 10,000 monks hailed from different monasteries all over Tibet. Sera monastery is famous for its Buddhism philosophical debate practice, the clapping sound and aggressive expression of the monks are well worth to see. Norbulingka is the summer palace of Dalai Lama; you can visit the residences of different lineages of the Dalai Lama. The park is crowded with picnickers and traditional activities during the Shoton (Yogurt festival) in August.

DAY 06: Bike to Khampa-La: Mountain biking adventure begins from Lhasa. Cycling past history-laden city of Lhasa, you will transverse through barley fields, traditional Tibetan villages and undulating uphill slopes. Few kilometers ahead, a bridge appears across the river leading to the airport. Chinese soldiers can be seen stationed at the mid-point of the bridge. Turning away from the route to the airport, you have to skirt along another direction following rarely-visited sandy path to Khampa-La. The trail meanders through a village of mud-walled houses and pastoral farmlands. You may attempt to interact with local villagers with the assistance from your Tibetan guide. This gives you an opportunity to glimpse into the lives of local villagers. Further ahead, the trail branches into a valley away from Tsangpo and then ascends. You will approach your first campsite on a rocky territory encompassing an area of width 30 meters and height 100 meters. After cycling for about 6-7 hours, you will eventually arrive at the foot of Khampa La (pass) at an elevation of 4794. At an idyllic site, you will camp for the night under starlit sky.

DAY 07: Bike to Nagartse via Khampa-La: A tough climb across the first of six high passes of the trip. If you find it too tough peddling up 4794 meter high pass you can always get on the support 4WD Land cruiser. Once you are on the top of the pass you have a glittering views of Yamdrop tso (lake) and stunning summit of Nanzin Kangsa (7252m). A descent to deep turquoise Yamdrok Tso Lake amidst its exquisite mesmerizing views further accentuates the biking thrill. Nomadic herders and grazing yaks make interesting picture-perfect view en route. After lunch, you will ride along the shore of the lake on sandy roads for about 40km. The trail further continues along ridges in the valley wall with breath-taking views of towering snow-capped peaks as the backdrop. Sooner sheep pastures come into sight. Resting your cycling journey for the day, you set a camp after riding for 72 km up to Nagartse village at an elevation of 4475m.

DAY 08: Bike to Simi-La: Barking and howling of Tibetan Mastiff work as the morning alarm in awakening you from your hard earned sleep. Cycling away from Nagartse, the trail progresses towards a valley and to the top of Karo-La the first 5000 meter pass of your trip (you have an option to getting on the support vehicle). Crossing Karo-La (5050m) you descend to the foot of Simi-La at an elevation of 4330m through several interesting Tibetan villages. Basking in the grandeur of surrounding natural exoticism, you will overnight at a superb locale.

DAY 09: Bike to Gyantse via Simi-La: This day it is a fairly easy and short ride to the top of Simi La at 4375m and then mostly downhill ride into a wide sandy valley towards Gyantse. The trail crisscrosses barley field along the flowing river. Here, you will spot several military and religious sites. You can bask in the sheer pleasure of visiting Pelkor Chode Monastery, and Gyantse Dzong. Pelkor Chode Monastery has ancient murals, Thangkas, chapels, Mandala and paintings of 84 Mahasidhhas in yogic posture. Gyantse Dzong was constructed in the 14th century and offers majestic view of both Gyantse and Nyang Chu Valley. Gyantse Kumbum is one of the major attractions of cultural interest in Gyantse. It houses several chapels and Tibetan Buddhist murals. You will spend the night at comfortable hotel.

DAY 10: Excursion around Gyantse & bike to Shigatse: This day's ride is on tarmac following Nyang Chu River to Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet. En route, you will encounter several trucks, cabs and pedestrians hurrying along the busy streets of Shigatse. There are internet cyber cafe, many well-resourced shop, restaurants etc. Tashilhunpo monastery, being one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet, is a major attraction of Shigatse. Overnight here will be in a comfortable hotel.

DAY 11: Explore day in Shigatse: This day is the rest day to explore the local market and Tashilhunpo Monastery. This monastery is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet and there is much to explore within its high surrounding walls.

DAY 12: Bike to Tso-La: The road being bumpy, loose and dirty, you may find the ride strenuous. Following the Friendship Highway, you will gradually climb to the foot of Tso-La where you stay the night at tented camp.

DAY 13: Bike to Gyamtso via Tso-La: A fairly easy eight kilometers ride brings you to the top of the Tso La from where you will have a clear view of the main Himalayan range. A brief stoppage at the top of the pass follows a thrilling downhill ride to the small town of Lhatse. After lunch at riverside the biking trail gains gradual climb to the foot of Gyamtso-La at 4630 meter where you camp for the night.

DAY 14: Bike to Shegar via Gyamtso-La: The Gyamtso-La at 5220 meter located approximately 15 kilometers from the campsite, is the highest pass of this biking adventure. The trail to the top of the pass passes through steep and rough slope. From the pass it is steep downhill ride amidst stunning views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse & Cho Oyu. Riding past small Tibetan settlements, nomadic herdsmen make your journey even more eventful. After peddling a few kilometers you reach your camping site.

DAY 15: Bike to Choesang via Pang-La: This day you will detour away from the main road to Everest Base Camp. The biggest hurdle of today's ride is Pang La at 5150 meter. Approximately 2-3 hrs peddling along the dirt road into the north base camp of Everest brings you to the top of Pang-La. The road zigzags across the back wall of the valley overlooking stunning view of the pass. The view from the top of the pass is breathtaking with the whole Himalaya range gleaming right before you. The tough climb to the pass follows an excellent downhill ride to small Tibetan settlement where you camp for the night.

DAY 16: Bike to Rongbuk: The trail along the river for first few kilometers is fairly easy as you head toward Rongbuk valley. This ride gets quite pleasurable as your eyes savor the breath-taking view of glaciated valley. Yak-skin tents and grazing yaks can be viewed on the other side of the valley. Within few hours along Rongbuk Glacier, North Face of Everest becomes visible flaunting its unparalleled beauty. Rongbuk Monastery lies ahead 8 kilometers below Everest Base Camp at an elevation of 5000m, at the foot of the Rongbuk Glacier.

DAY 17: Bike or hike to Everest North Base camp: After taking a well-deserved rest, you can indulge in the exoticism of exploring mystiques of Rongbuk glaciers. It is an 8 km each way walk along dirt road to the base of Mt. Everest. You ascend to the moraine and shortly encounter a nunnery ruined during the Cultural Revolution. A small hermitage is nestled in the vicinity. A few hours of ascent eventually brings you to the Everest Northern Base Camp. No matter how much difficulties and challenges you may face along the trail, once you see the mighty Mount Everest your tiredness instantly elopes and you feel so much blessed as you savor this blissful sight. After photographic moments and exploration, you retreat back to your camp.

DAY 18: Bike or drive across Pang-La (5150m) to Tingri or Hot Springs: Since it takes lot of time on a bicycle to reach to the top of Pang-La, it is best to drive up to this pass and bike down to Tingri. The trail leading to Pang-La is extremely rocky and bumpy. Soon after arriving at Pang-La, you collect your cycling gears and start peddling down the steep trail. Shortly, a boulder comes en route and the trail gets rougher as it follows rock-strewn path. The trail descends to a series of sandy ridges which cut along the edge of a river gorge. Further down, you will meet a stream. This adrenaline-fueled ride continues past pristine hamlets and lush barley fields. After coming close to Tingri, if you look back you can catch a stunning sight of majestic Everest and Cho Oyu. The dirt road turns into a paved road as you will enter a small town of Tingri which is an unsheltered and windy settlement nestled underneath the enchanting Cho Oyu. Your overnight camp will be at a small village where you can take bath in a natural hot spring.

DAY 19: Bike to Lalung-La: The ride to Lalung La base offers unbeatable pleasures and adventures. Starting with a little uphill climb you make your way along the edge of the valley following a river and at some point you will see the river branching into a lake sheltering a variety of Himalayan ducks. Meandering past the valley floor of grazing yaks, mud bricks, small traditional villages and ruined monasteries, the trail narrows to a gorge making you ride into the headwind for another five kilometers. Views of Everest and Cho Oyu from your lunch stop are simply amazing! Riding a further 15 km brings you an excellent campsite at the foot of La Lung La with green grass and crystal clear mountain rivulet.

DAY 20: Bike or drive across Lalung-La (5124m) & Thang-La (5200m) to Nyalam: Climbing double pass today calls for real hard work. It is approximately 15 km uphill peddling from the campsite to the top of the first pass, Lalung-La at 5124 meters which offers excellent views of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar. A six kilometers downhill ride and a further seven kilometers uphill climb brings you to the top of the second pass, Thang-La at 5200 meters. If you find it too much to peddle uphill you have an option of getting on the support 4WD Land cruiser. After spending some heavenly moments at the top of the pass you begin what we call 'the worlds longest downhill' biking adventure. A long pleasant downhill ride amidst superb mountain scenery brings you to a village near Nylam where you camp for the night at 3750 meter.

DAY 21: Bike to the last Resort in Nepal: Heading away from Nyalam, you ride along the steep road dropping down through the gorge. The trail meets a glacial stream and turns back crossing the river. A further 15 kilometers of cycling brings you amidst the verdant vegetation and a little further ride brings you to the Chinese border town of Zhangmu at 2300 meter. Making your way through traffic and modern concrete block buildings perched on the slopes, you will head towards Chinese customs where you are required to handle re-entry formalities to return to Kathmandu. Once you are done with this official procedure, you advance towards 12 km descent to the river and the bridge to Nepal. The trail that follows at this point onwards is muddy, steep and rocky. You may encounter several jeeps on the way. After bidding your Tibetan guide and driver farewell, you will descend to the river valley. Initially, the trail gets rocky but later eases when it enters paved road after 20 kilometers of descent. Utmost careful safety measures should be adopted as there are chances of washouts occurring at any time while riding along this steep muddy trail. Further down, a village springs into picture. As you make your way to the entrance of the town, you will experience many speed breakers. The trail then opens into rich verdant valley with rice terraces surrounded by green hills. After a sumptuous lunch at tranquil 'the Last Resort' you can stroll down the river or spend the day relaxing by the river admiring surrounding views of lush green hills with a bottle of beers or two.

DAY 22: Bike or drive to Dhulikhel and Kathmandu: This day you have an option of driving all the way to Kathmandu or bike up to Dhulikhel and drive to Kathmandu. Ride is on tarmac with occasional steep climb, the large section of the road follows Bhote Koshi River through lush green beautiful Nepalese countryside. Evening in Kathmandu is a time for the celebration in a traditional Nepalese restaurant.

DAY 23: Leisure day: This full day at leisure to rest, relax or explore the local area in Kathmandu or do a bit of last minute shopping. You also have the option of doing some sight-seeing. Evening will have farewell meeting & dinner at Nepali typical restaurant.

DAY 24: Departure day: After breakfast you will have some free time until the time to leave the international airport for your final departure.

Trip Note: This page provides important trip note information to help you plan and prepare for the biking journey to and from Tibet. We do our best to update this information regularly. Please contact us to clarify anything and help plan your biking trip to Tibet

Arrival Information: Please provide us your flight details to pick you up from international airport. We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact us at +977-1-4258476 or +977985105037 as emergency contact.

On arrival, after clearing customs as you come outside of the terminal building, you will see someone standing with a placard of “Nepal Adventure Point” with your name and our airport representative will welcome you with a garland and transfer you to the hotel.

Pre-Trip Meeting: Nepal Adventure Point host pre-trip meeting at the hotel before trip begins. You will be introduced with your trip leader and team members. We will provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about your biking trip. Pre-trip meeting covers the information regarding the personal equipment, acclimatization among others. We believe that pre-trip meeting is very important in order to better preparation of the trip.

Best Season: The "normal" tourist season in Tibet is from May through till October. The busiest months are usually July and August. However this is changing as infrastructure development makes travelling at other times far easier.

Summer weather can be cool to warm. Summer is the rainy season but it rarely rains for long before the sun comes out. Trekking is possible from April through October. You can trek in winter but it is cold and you should be very experienced.

Fall & Spring are often cool and clear and can be excellent for trekking and cultural trips as you don't have to face the crowds of Chinese tourists in Lhasa and Shigatse.

Winter is generally cold and clear in Tibet. It is not advised to attempt remote or high journeys during this time without prior experience. However, cultural tours to Lhasa and other regional centers can be very rewarding during winter months as there are hardly any other tourists and it is the customary time for Tibetan pilgrimage to central Buddhist temples. The overland journey from Lhasa to Kathmandu is usually possible year round now that the new road has been built.

Acclimatization: The trip itineraries are designed in order to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness. It occurs to some when they go up the high altitude. During the period, you need to take some days rest acclimatize and then continue cycling, in case anybody feels acute sickness, we advise to take advise from doctors. But, we have designed all itineraries in order to prevent such sickness.

Bikes: Bikes are not included on this trip. You will need to bring your own bike, and spare parts and tools to keep it maintained.

Transportation: We will have a support vehicle for the whole duration of the cycling component. The support truck carrying luggage and biker’s equipment to and from the trail head points.

Luggage Tips: Besides your guide the trek will be accompanied by one porter or pack animals for every two people to transport your luggage to the camp. We are asking that every one have only one bag (trekking bag); the maximum weight of this bag should not exceed 12-15kgs. Each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the half day (Water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc). You can leave the rest of your luggage at the hotel where you were staying before the start of the trek, or at our local agent's office.

Staff: A fun personality is a major qualifier for Nepal Adventure Point leadership, but a strong sense of responsibility backed by years of experience is just as important. On your biking tour, you will be accompanied by professional Nepalese and Tibetan staffs. Our guides are trained extensively in wilderness first aid, bicycle handling skills and maintenance, local geography, and outdoor gourmet cooking. The aim of the Nepal Adventure Point team is to make the trip as hassle-free and enjoyable as possible.

Fitness: You will need to have an extremely high level of fitness and determination to participate in this trip. We are cycling at altitudes from 3700 to 5200 meters above sea level! These are the Himalayan Mountains after all, so expect a lot of long, steep ascents and descents. Training is strongly recommended.

Accommodation & Food: In Lhasa, there are comfortable hotels and restaurants and you will be able to access and obtain most modern amenities. As we move further from Lhasa the commodities, facilities and services will be less available and you will be living more on Tibetan terms. We supply you with the best camping equipment, food, and service facilities that are available here; but please bear in mind this is neither a city nor a suburb.

Food is a very important part of any travel experience. We offer vegetarians and vegans are well catered for and should you have any other dietary restrictions, you just need to inform us. We will have our own cooks on this trip for all the camping days. They can cook a variety of food from just a pot, wok and pan. In places like Lhasa, Shigatse and Gyantse, we will be eating in restaurants.

Single supplement: All accommodations are based on double occupancy. If you prefer single accommodations, you must pay a single supplement fee, which is listed to the trip itinerary. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender. If there is no one with whom you can share, you are required to pay a "forced" single supplement fee, which is usually half of the regular price supplement. On some trips, and/or some places, single accommodations are not available.

Spending Money: Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping.

You will need to bring money on the trip to pay for the following; some meals, drinks, activities in the free time, departure tax and of course shopping. We suggest you utilize a variety of methods for accessing money. The amount you bring is going to depend on how much you plan to spend. There will be very few opportunities to spend money whilst cycling so most of your shopping will need to be done in Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse and Kathmandu.

We also recommend that you bring US$100 in emergency funds, to be used when circumstances beyond the control of Nepal Adventure Point necessitate a change in itinerary.

Itinerary changes: Participants should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip that takes you into one of the most remote corners of the Tibetan Plateau, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in the itinerary. Depending on the prevailing situation, the itinerary can be modified to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of tour completion should always coincide with the original itinerary. Please be sure and bring your patience and try to keep an open, relaxed, positive and friendly attitude as traveling in this part of the world may be very different than what you are used to, but things always seem to fall into place at the last moment. The Chinese authorities with whom we work reserve the right to change the itineraries.

Personal Equipment List: Riding in the mountains, you can go distances beyond a normal days hike, getting away from any sign of people. In the mountains the weather can change in just minutes, easily going from sunny to warm, to rain or snow and then getting really bad. These facts should be kept in mind when venturing out on a mountain bike ride. A mountain biker should prepare for the worst, using this equipment as a guide.

Water bottles and cages Chain stay guard Toe clips Bike lock Racks and Packs Headlight and taillight Fenders (for winter riding) Home floor pump with a tire pressure gauge Second set of tires and/or wheels for use on the road

Communication: In Kathmandu, Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse you will be able to access email, phone, fax and post offices. Away from these cities there will be little chance to email and the main communication will be phone. You should leave your family or friends the Bike Asia contact details. Our office staff will be able to get in touch with us in an emergency.

Tipping: It's not compulsory but tipping the porters and guides is customary and always greatly appreciated. A rough guideline is US$ 4-6 per person a day for guide and camp supporter, US$ 1-2 per person a day for the driver, however if you wish to tip more that is always welcome.

Savings on your Vacations: After your first trip with Nepal Adventure Point, receive a 5% discount on all future bookings! If you decide to join Nepal Adventure Point on a second trip the same year, you will receive 10% off that trip. After your 6th trip with Nepal Adventure, you will get free to your next adventure trip selected trip by Nepal Adventure Point.

Referrals: If you have a friend you would like to bring on a tour that has not already traveled with Nepal Adventure Point or is currently signed up, you'll receive a US$100 credit toward your next trip. Please mention our referral program as well as your friends Name when signing up for your trip.

Feedback: After you have completed the trip, we want to know what you thought about it. This is important to us, as it is through your feedback that we monitor our trips and make improvements for the future. Log on to our website and click on the feedback link. It will take you a minimum of 3 minutes, or should you feel like writing in more detail, then a little longer. If you fill in the feedback form, we’ll give you an automatic 5% discount on any of our trips in any other region.